THE United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has adopted the 1.2 megawatt capacity Zesco Shiwang'andu Biomass Power Station in Muchinga Province as a model south to south renewable energy project, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary George Zulu has said.

Mr Zulu said the biomass mini-power station was among the few internationally recognised sustainable energy production projects which connect economic growth, social equity and a climate environment that enables the world to thrive.

The mini-power station, which is capable of providing electricity to more than 200 houses, was adopted as one of the model projects during the just-ended Global South to South Development Expo held in Vienna, Austria.

He said the power station, jointly funded by UNIDO, Zesco and Nigeria's Solar Farms Project and produces 250 megawatts of electricity, was among others adopted as model south to south renewable energy projects which should be emulated by many developing countries.

Mr Zulu, who attended the South to South Development Expo, said Zambia was in the process of putting in place measures that would see it sustained and maximise the use of the biomass.

He said Zambia was also in the process of setting up solar farms which were expected to supplement hydro-electricity power station's production capacity.

"As Government we are happy to note that UNIDO/Zesco's biomass power station has won international recognition as a model renewable energy project which the United Nations system is encouraging developing countries to adopt," Mr Zulu said.

The award-winning biomass mini-power station was initiated after UNIDO partnered with Zesco to construct the first ever mini-hydro power station worth K22.8 billion in Shiwang'andu in Muchinga Province.